Conceptualizing conversational humour as (im)politeness: The case of film talk

Abstract This paper addresses the methodology and theory of research on conversational humour in the context of (im)politeness theory, focusing on the production and reception ends (the speaker’s intention and the hearer’s evaluation respectively). In the light of a critical overview of the relevant scholarship from both humour and impoliteness studies, several notions are elucidated, such as mock (im)politeness or banter. Generally, conversational humour forms may give rise to face-saving and rapport, thereby subscribing to (solidarity) politeness; and/or face-threat and conflict indicative of impoliteness. Moreover, impoliteness can be viewed as a source of humour in its own right, especially in media entertainment discourse. Additionally, one utterance may invite diverging evaluations on the part of the various participants, depending on their interactional statuses: the butt/target or the receiver of humour, which is most pronounced in media discourse. This discussion on the interdependence between humour and (im)politeness is conducted with reference to film talk and is illustrated with humorous extracts taken from the American series entitled “House”.